Start your day with gratitude and positivity...

When we take the time to remind ourselves of who we are and what we have, we are more likely to have positive emotions and be content with what we have already. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. This new way of looking at life has a ripple effect on how our bodies respond to stress and heal.

Gratitude like happiness has no destination.  It is a way of living. It brings peace for today. We are learning to enjoy the journey as it unfolds. 

Add the practice of gratitude to your daily morning ritual.  Set a soothing daily alarm.  Avoid your mail, email, TV news and other distractions including talking.  In fact, sometimes I lie still just after awaking in the morning and find it the best time to do a quick gratitude check while everyone thinks I am still asleep. This not only sets the tone for my day; it helps me prepare for the events to come - in peace and positivity.

Gratitude is easy when the going is good, not so in tough times when you are tired or overwhelmed or sad over some loss. Only continuously looking at the obvious good in our lives each day however small makes it even possible to look at the failures as learning opportunities. the limitations as time to grow or learn patience/persistence, the challenges as what builds strength and character, your present as your will to live, your past as it is what brought you to this moment, your mistakes as opportunities to do things differently! 

Know you are trying to make a difference in your life and those around you.  Say thank you until you mean it. Say thank you for all your experiences good and bad.  Send out that feeling to those you are grateful for and bring that feeling inward to honor yourself as well.

As gratitude makes you humble, you will feel more kindness and compassion for yourself and for others...which will be the topic for my next post.  

TTFN Cheryl!